Apocalyptic Reading Group - March

Apocalypse means “revelation.” Certainly we are living through apocalyptic times, but what exactly is being revealed?

If the systems of US empire are collapsing, and it seems they are, what will we build in the gaps that empire leaves behind? How will we avoid replicating harmful ways, when those are all many of us have known?

With this book discussion series, we’ll look for wisdom in books. Chosen in conversation with folks whose lives they’ve changed, these books have the power to upend our assumptions, spark our imaginations, and point us toward possible liberatory futures. 

These will not be solely intellectual conversations. We’ll weave in grounding moments, personal sharing (always optional!), and inspiration from a variety of sources to keep us encouraged.

We will meet the first Sunday of each month from 4-5:30pm ET/ 1-2:30 PT. Because these are rich, sometimes demanding books, there is no expectation that you will attend all sessions. That would be a lot of reading! We suggest you look through the list, pick the titles that are most interesting to you, mark your calendars, order the books now, and start reading! Please consider purchasing books from an independent bookstore, possibly our own online Book Nest! Every purchase made there contributes a small amount to Kirkridge.

To see the full list of books for 2026, click here (but don’t forget to come back and register!).

Note: Several of these books are written by folks who will be holding retreats at Kirkridge this year. When applicable, that is mentioned at the end of the book description.

We’ll send a zoom link out when you register.

This series is offered free of cost, and a donation ask will be part of every session. 

We can’t wait to be in conversation with you!

March book:

Undoing Conquest: Ancient Israel, the Bible, and the Future of Christianity by Kate Common. This book is about how ​​a new understanding of the origins of the Hebrew people can help churches recognize and take responsibility for a history of violence and conquest, make reparations, and seek reconciliation.

In the last century, archaeologists of the Highlands Settlements north of Jerusalem uncovered evidence that reshapes traditional understandings of Israelite history and the Bible. This new history remains largely untold outside of specialized archeological and biblical studies contexts. In Undoing Conquest, Kate Common recovers the material evidence that challenges the theological imagination of conquest that has permeated Christianity.

Examining how biblical conquest narratives shaped Christian ideology, Undoing Conquest offers ways to incorporate the story the Highlands Settlements reveal into the life of the church to repair the harms of settler-colonialism and genocide, creating a more just future.

Kate Common will lead a retreat at Kirkridge June 5-7.